Bytagand the publication "32 inches: the rumor that's causing friction with transmissions"
In stores as well as at trade fairs, the message has become almost unanimous. Bike shop owners keep saying it: mountain biking is slowing down, while the Gravel captures attention, sales, and the imagination.. An impression of the ground? Not only that. The figures from manufacturers They confirm it: growth is no longer on the side of full suspension, but rather on these hybrid bikes which are presented as the new freedom on two wheels. And yet ... In mountain biking, there are two absolute certainties: Your next bike will be better than your current one, and anything new is heresy… until it becomes the norm. And lately, a strange number has been circulating in the paddocks, the wash bays, and at the end of coffee breaks. A number whispered in hushed tones, like a swear word: 32.
By Jeff Tatard – Photo: @jefftatard
Thirty-two inches. Nothing official. No flashy press release. Just some rumorsinsistent, persistent, almost disturbing.
Because yes, that question, We've already asked ourselves that question.And not just once.
Mountain biking: the evolution of wheels (and those who dared)1990s – early 2000s; 26 inches: the golden age 2008–2012; 29 inches: The Heretics 2013–2016; 27,5 inches: the compromise 2018–2022; 29 inches all around 2026 – ? ; 32 inches: The Whispers |
When the 26-inch size wasn't even up for debate
There was a time, not so long ago, when the 26 inches reigned supremeIt was simple: smaller, more maneuverable, more fun. Then one day, someone dared They used to say that bigger wheels rolled better. Then came the 29-inch wheels. And with them, panic.
"Too big", "Not fun", "impossible to place", "Good for straight lines and soulless people".
The result? Today, everyone rides on 29ers.… explaining that he always knew that this was the future.
27,5 inches: change without changing too much
And between the two, some have chosen the path of wisdom, or prudence. The famous 27,5 inches.
The middle ground. The diplomatic compromise. Big enough to evolve, small enough not to offend the purists. A perfect size to say: I'm changing, but not too much..
32 inches: the disturbing rumor
So naturally, when the number 32 is starting to circulateThe same reflexes return. The same skeptical looks. The same definitive statements based on absolutely zero field testing.
And yet, technically, the reasoning is crystal clear. Almost boringly logical.
A bigger wheel is a better crossingIncreased stability, superior performance on fast terrain. In short, exactly the arguments that swung the XC and marathon world towards 29-inch wheels. The difference? This time, The managers know how to take a hit, The geometries are designed for this, and we no longer discover physics by going downhill.
Note that we are not talking about a global revolution here. The 32-inch wheel isn't going to appear on every trail bike tomorrow.Nor will it replace the 29er by divine decree. These rumors mainly concern modern XC, long distances, powerful engines, and sometimes… tall riders. Because a bike, however innovative, remains a matter of body type and terrain.
And perhaps that's what makes this rumor interesting. It doesn't try to impose itself. It suggests. It teste. She observes. She does exactly what mountain biking has always done: explore how far we can go without losing the essentials.
Mock today, roll tomorrow
So no, at 3bikesNo one is saying that 32 inches is the absolute future. But to mock this idea today is to risk... drive over it tomorrow while swearing it was obvious.
These are just rumors.
But in mountain biking, the biggest revolutions have often started… next to the coffee machine.
=> And if you want to know moretagand on this very possible development
